Pet: A collection of short stories
By Kathryn van Beek
PledgeMe.Project
Writing,
NZ $2,090 pledged
59 people pledged
Closed
NZ $2,000 minimum target
This campaign was successful and closed on 16/07/2020 at 10:00 PM.
Make a PledgeAbout
Pet: A Collection Of Short Stories
Project 2020-06-13 10:55:37 +1200
Pet is a dark and humorous short story collection that explores our relationships with children, lovers, and other animals.
“Hectic, chatty, very modern New Zealand, very, very readable.”
—Steve Braunias
“These beautifully crafted stories about humans and their animals and animals and their humans are sharp, taut, brilliantly written exposés of our untamed behaviour to each other. Kathryn’s writing is intense and merciless but totally entertaining and gripping from start to finish.”
—Stuart Hoar
Pre-order your copy today to be among the first to receive this anticipated collection ... and some exclusive rewards.
About the book
Stories from this book have been published locally and internationally, in journals and websites including Newsroom, Takahē, and The Sunday Star-Times.
This quality book features beautiful black and white illustrations. The striking cover was designed by award-winning book designer Anna Egan-Reid.
Illustrations
Each story is accompanied by an original illustration. The illustrations are hand drawn pen and ink.
Rewards
When you place your pre-order, you can also choose from a wide range of rewards - including signed copies of the book, beautiful book plates, and quality art prints.
Book plates
About us
Kathryn van Beek
Kathryn is one of the most intriguing voices in contemporary New Zealand literature. A graduate of Victoria University’s Institute of Modern Letters, Kathryn is the winner of the Mindfood Short Story Competition and the Headland Short Story Prize. She is also the momager of Aotearoa’s third most famous cat.
Visit Kathryn's website for more information.
Mary Egan Publishing
Mary Egan Publishing is a family business with over 30 years’ experience in the book publishing industry.
Visit the Mary Egan website for more information.
Michael van Beek
Thank you to Michael van Beek for creating the video. The youngest of the five van Beek siblings, Michael returned to New Zealand from South America due to the impacts of Covid-19. This video is one of his lockdown projects.
The video features royalty free music from bensound.com, and was filmed at the Otago Museum.
Timeline
We will print the books shortly and send copies to backers just as soon as we can. You should receive your copy in August or September 2020.
Podcast
In association with Creative New Zealand and Otago Access Radio, Pet is also being turned into a podcast.
Keep an eye on this page for updates.
Pet is a Dunedin Unesco City of Literature project.
Comments
Updates 8
Online book launch via Newsroom!
22/08/2020 at 7:14 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters
I think this will be my last update - I just wanted to let you know that we have cancelled the Dunedin launch due to Covid-19 alert level uncertainty - BUT Steve Braunias from Newsroom has come to the rescue and we will be having an online launch on Tuesday night! AND ... I've even figured out a way to involve wine and cheese! There will also be readings from some of the podcast actors and a few other special treats. Join the Facebook event to keep up to date. I'm not sure if the Auckland launch will be going ahead, so please 'come along' to this one if you can.
Hopefully most of you have received your books by now ... just let me know if there are any issues on that front.
And once again, thank you so much for your support - it has meant the world during this crazy mixed up year.
Arohanui
Kathryn xx
Your book is on its way to your mailbox!
14/08/2020 at 10:23 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters
Fearing that we were about to go back into lockdown, chalet van Beek was a hive of activity this week as we raced against the clock to get all your books sent out by 5.30pm today!
The second batch of books ready to be posted out
With the help of the wonderful people at the post office, your books have now all been sent. If you haven't received yours already, it shouldn't be too far away. (If you don't receive it within a reasonable timeframe, please contact me and I will follow up.)
The podcast is coming along brilliantly, and I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to go ahead with the Dunedin and maybe even the Auckland book launches.
(I'll post updates via the Facebook events linked to above.)
Regardless of what happens with the launches, I am so thrilled with the book and so grateful to you for helping make it a reality.
Oh and some unexpected news! At the same time that this has all been going on, an anthology that I've got a story in has been released. And it's on the NZ bestseller list!
It's called 'The Best of Auckland' - and speaking of Auckland - kia kaha to all you Aucklanders who are facing another 12 days in lockdown. Thank you for sacrificing so much to help protect your fellow kiwis. You rock.
Arohanui,
Kathryn xx
Pet comes alive!
16/07/2020 at 10:01 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters!
We did it!
Here is your very tired and happy crowdfunder...
The next step is that the books will arrive in the country in August, and I'll package them up and send them out to you with your rewards - hopefully well in advance of the book launches.
I'll be in touch around then with an update, but in the meantime, thank you so much for your support - it means the world.
Arohanui,
Kathryn xx
Evidence of a well-spent youth
15/07/2020 at 8:47 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters!
We recorded the last podcast episode yesterday, and now we have the big job of editing them all in time for the book and podcast launch on 25 August! It's been such a treat listening to all the stories and reflecting on what inspired me to write them.
Many of the stories in Pet have been published in journals and on websites over the years, but one that never found a home (until now!) is The Lucky Numbers. It's about a band of pop musicians who are still hoping to hit the big time. Auckland-based voice artist Kate Orgias read that story, and listening to her beautiful interpretation of it really brought back memories of my own experience as a musician (I'm a retired bass player). In particular, it brought to mind two different road trips that one of my bands made to Wellington. One culminated with us playing to the world's smallest audience (tears were shed!), while at the other, we were such a hit the audience got us to play our set twice! I hope those of you who have been involved in the music scene or the arts more generally will be able to relate to The Lucky Numbers.
Above: Evidence of a well-spent youth
If you'd like to keep in the loop with podcast updates, you can do so on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Speaking of Instagram ... after avoiding it for years, I finally signed up. Oh and here are the Facebook links for the Dunedin and Auckland book launches. Woop woop!
Thank you so much for your support of Pet - we have 24 hours to go and we are 95% funded! It is so exciting to think that with your help, this quirky little collection of stories will make it out into the world.
Arohanui,
Kathryn xx
The book proofs arrived today!
09/07/2020 at 7:45 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters
Just a quick note to let you know that the book proofs arrived today! The book looks (and feels!) amazing!
You can watch the grand unveiling here!
I'm also beyond thrilled to see that the book is 75% funded with a week still to go. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic that we'll reach our target! Thank you so very much for helping to make this longstanding dream into a real book.
Oh and did I mention that the book feels amazing?!
Arohanui
Kathryn xx
Book launch details!
08/07/2020 at 8:32 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters!
If you live handy to Dunedin or Auckland, mark your calendars with these book launch dates! You and your friends and whānau are warmly invited to come along, have a drink, eat some snacks, and best of all ... listen to some of our incredible Pet Podcast actors read excerpts from their stories.
Dunedin: University Book Shop, 5.30pm Tuesday 25 August
Auckland: Time Out Bookstore, 5.30pm Friday 28 August
And if you're not handy to Dunedin or Auckland, what do you think - should I try to live stream or video the Dunedin launch so you can join in the fun?
I've been having a ball this week recording the stories in the OAR FM studio. The actors are all so talented, and they bring such different flavours to the stories. I actually began my writing career as a playwright, so there's something really special about circling back to a more theatrical form and getting to work with actors again. I meant to take photos of all the actors in the studio but I forgot to take a couple (sorry Helen, Olly and Melanie!). Luckily, the fabulous audio engineer Geoff is now reminding me to photograph everyone!
I'm so grateful that I'm able to make this book, and the podcast. And I'm glad I decided to go ahead and do the illustrations, too. I hope the stories, the drawings and the recordings will make a lovely little package for you to dip into.
Arohanui and thank you so much for your support
Kathryn xx
Meeting a carrot on Book Day
01/07/2020 at 10:05 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters!
I mentioned in my last update that Pet has received funding to be turned into a podcast! I've had a great time over the past few weeks meeting the amazing actors. Thirteen of the actors are based in Dunedin and four are based in other parts of the country.
I've already received recordings from some of my 'off-site' people (the other recordings will be made at Otago Access Radio shortly) and I am so pleased with them. The slightly creepy story was enhanced with an incredible array of accents, and the reading of the slightly silly story was so funny I almost cried! I wish I could tell you what happens at the end, but I don't want to spoil the suprise!
(An image from one of the stories in Pet.)
I'm definitely more of a writer than an artist, but I got to visit Waitati School this morning for their Book Week and run some illustration workshops with the kids. It was heaps of fun hanging out with an incredible array of book characters (the kids were in costume), including a guinea pig and a carrot!
It's also very exciting to be over halfway towards my funding goal for Pet! Thank you! If you know anyone who might enjoy a dark and humorous collection of short stories it would be great if you could share the link to the PledgeMe page with them.
Oh, and I'm planning the book launches (in Auckland and Dunedin) as we speak ... stay tuned for your invite!
Arohanui and thank you so much for your support
Kathryn xx
Pet is almost half funded - thank you!
25/06/2020 at 8:47 PM
Kia ora and THANK YOU so much for supporting Pet, a dark and quirky collection of short stories that I've been working on for much longer than I'd really like to admit. With your help I'm nearly at half my funding goal, and that little bit closer to turning Pet into a real book.
A little surprise I've had is that Creative New Zealand has come on board to help turn Pet into a podcast series! So I'm working with Otago Access Radio (OAR FM) and a group of extraordinarily talented actors to create a free podcast that will be accessible via OAR and your favourite podcast apps. If you head on over to my website you can find out more about the podcast and the actors - including Terry McTavish, Iona Winter and Olly Ohlson, among many other wonderful people!
(Above: some of the amazing people who are reading stories for the Pet podcast)
I'm also planning book launches in both Dunedin and Auckland, and I'll be sure to let you know details closer to the time - I'd love to see there.
Thank you so much to everyone who has pledged to Pet or shared the PledgeMe page. I really appreciate your support - I couldn't do this without you.
Arohanui,
Kathryn xx
Pledgers 59
16/07/2020 at 8:46pm
16/07/2020 at 6:39pm
"Congratulations Kathryn!"
16/07/2020 at 11:15am
15/07/2020 at 10:32pm
"Love your work Kathryn x"
15/07/2020 at 9:28pm
"well done team"
15/07/2020 at 4:45pm
15/07/2020 at 1:08pm
15/07/2020 at 12:18pm
15/07/2020 at 1:18am
14/07/2020 at 5:17pm
14/07/2020 at 9:12am
14/07/2020 at 6:17am
13/07/2020 at 9:54pm
13/07/2020 at 9:49pm
"Mahi pai! Engaging writing - I enjoyed the stories I read and look forward to reading the others."
10/07/2020 at 4:17pm
"Amazing work Kathryn "
09/07/2020 at 3:58pm
"Can’t wait for this!! ❤️"
09/07/2020 at 2:01pm
08/07/2020 at 10:15pm
06/07/2020 at 12:12pm
06/07/2020 at 10:03am
06/07/2020 at 8:40am
"Hope you make target, looking forward to this book! x Fi"
06/07/2020 at 8:15am
"Looks amazing! "
05/07/2020 at 9:04am
04/07/2020 at 8:01am
03/07/2020 at 9:04am
02/07/2020 at 7:52pm
02/07/2020 at 6:48pm
02/07/2020 at 4:17pm
"All the Best Kathryn. xx"
02/07/2020 at 9:51am
"Good luck Kathryn 🐕🐈"
01/07/2020 at 7:47am
Followers 1
Followers of Pet: A collection of short stories
Pet: A Collection Of Short Stories
Project 2020-06-13 10:55:37 +1200
Pet is a dark and humorous short story collection that explores our relationships with children, lovers, and other animals.
“Hectic, chatty, very modern New Zealand, very, very readable.”
—Steve Braunias
“These beautifully crafted stories about humans and their animals and animals and their humans are sharp, taut, brilliantly written exposés of our untamed behaviour to each other. Kathryn’s writing is intense and merciless but totally entertaining and gripping from start to finish.”
—Stuart Hoar
Pre-order your copy today to be among the first to receive this anticipated collection ... and some exclusive rewards.
About the book
Stories from this book have been published locally and internationally, in journals and websites including Newsroom, Takahē, and The Sunday Star-Times.
This quality book features beautiful black and white illustrations. The striking cover was designed by award-winning book designer Anna Egan-Reid.
Illustrations
Each story is accompanied by an original illustration. The illustrations are hand drawn pen and ink.
Rewards
When you place your pre-order, you can also choose from a wide range of rewards - including signed copies of the book, beautiful book plates, and quality art prints.
Book plates
About us
Kathryn van Beek
Kathryn is one of the most intriguing voices in contemporary New Zealand literature. A graduate of Victoria University’s Institute of Modern Letters, Kathryn is the winner of the Mindfood Short Story Competition and the Headland Short Story Prize. She is also the momager of Aotearoa’s third most famous cat.
Visit Kathryn's website for more information.
Mary Egan Publishing
Mary Egan Publishing is a family business with over 30 years’ experience in the book publishing industry.
Visit the Mary Egan website for more information.
Michael van Beek
Thank you to Michael van Beek for creating the video. The youngest of the five van Beek siblings, Michael returned to New Zealand from South America due to the impacts of Covid-19. This video is one of his lockdown projects.
The video features royalty free music from bensound.com, and was filmed at the Otago Museum.
Timeline
We will print the books shortly and send copies to backers just as soon as we can. You should receive your copy in August or September 2020.
Podcast
In association with Creative New Zealand and Otago Access Radio, Pet is also being turned into a podcast.
Keep an eye on this page for updates.
Pet is a Dunedin Unesco City of Literature project.
Comments
Online book launch via Newsroom!
22/08/2020 at 7:14 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters
I think this will be my last update - I just wanted to let you know that we have cancelled the Dunedin launch due to Covid-19 alert level uncertainty - BUT Steve Braunias from Newsroom has come to the rescue and we will be having an online launch on Tuesday night! AND ... I've even figured out a way to involve wine and cheese! There will also be readings from some of the podcast actors and a few other special treats. Join the Facebook event to keep up to date. I'm not sure if the Auckland launch will be going ahead, so please 'come along' to this one if you can.
Hopefully most of you have received your books by now ... just let me know if there are any issues on that front.
And once again, thank you so much for your support - it has meant the world during this crazy mixed up year.
Arohanui
Kathryn xx
Your book is on its way to your mailbox!
14/08/2020 at 10:23 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters
Fearing that we were about to go back into lockdown, chalet van Beek was a hive of activity this week as we raced against the clock to get all your books sent out by 5.30pm today!
The second batch of books ready to be posted out
With the help of the wonderful people at the post office, your books have now all been sent. If you haven't received yours already, it shouldn't be too far away. (If you don't receive it within a reasonable timeframe, please contact me and I will follow up.)
The podcast is coming along brilliantly, and I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to go ahead with the Dunedin and maybe even the Auckland book launches.
(I'll post updates via the Facebook events linked to above.)
Regardless of what happens with the launches, I am so thrilled with the book and so grateful to you for helping make it a reality.
Oh and some unexpected news! At the same time that this has all been going on, an anthology that I've got a story in has been released. And it's on the NZ bestseller list!
It's called 'The Best of Auckland' - and speaking of Auckland - kia kaha to all you Aucklanders who are facing another 12 days in lockdown. Thank you for sacrificing so much to help protect your fellow kiwis. You rock.
Arohanui,
Kathryn xx
Pet comes alive!
16/07/2020 at 10:01 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters!
We did it!
Here is your very tired and happy crowdfunder...
The next step is that the books will arrive in the country in August, and I'll package them up and send them out to you with your rewards - hopefully well in advance of the book launches.
I'll be in touch around then with an update, but in the meantime, thank you so much for your support - it means the world.
Arohanui,
Kathryn xx
Evidence of a well-spent youth
15/07/2020 at 8:47 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters!
We recorded the last podcast episode yesterday, and now we have the big job of editing them all in time for the book and podcast launch on 25 August! It's been such a treat listening to all the stories and reflecting on what inspired me to write them.
Many of the stories in Pet have been published in journals and on websites over the years, but one that never found a home (until now!) is The Lucky Numbers. It's about a band of pop musicians who are still hoping to hit the big time. Auckland-based voice artist Kate Orgias read that story, and listening to her beautiful interpretation of it really brought back memories of my own experience as a musician (I'm a retired bass player). In particular, it brought to mind two different road trips that one of my bands made to Wellington. One culminated with us playing to the world's smallest audience (tears were shed!), while at the other, we were such a hit the audience got us to play our set twice! I hope those of you who have been involved in the music scene or the arts more generally will be able to relate to The Lucky Numbers.
Above: Evidence of a well-spent youth
If you'd like to keep in the loop with podcast updates, you can do so on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Speaking of Instagram ... after avoiding it for years, I finally signed up. Oh and here are the Facebook links for the Dunedin and Auckland book launches. Woop woop!
Thank you so much for your support of Pet - we have 24 hours to go and we are 95% funded! It is so exciting to think that with your help, this quirky little collection of stories will make it out into the world.
Arohanui,
Kathryn xx
The book proofs arrived today!
09/07/2020 at 7:45 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters
Just a quick note to let you know that the book proofs arrived today! The book looks (and feels!) amazing!
You can watch the grand unveiling here!
I'm also beyond thrilled to see that the book is 75% funded with a week still to go. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic that we'll reach our target! Thank you so very much for helping to make this longstanding dream into a real book.
Oh and did I mention that the book feels amazing?!
Arohanui
Kathryn xx
Book launch details!
08/07/2020 at 8:32 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters!
If you live handy to Dunedin or Auckland, mark your calendars with these book launch dates! You and your friends and whānau are warmly invited to come along, have a drink, eat some snacks, and best of all ... listen to some of our incredible Pet Podcast actors read excerpts from their stories.
Dunedin: University Book Shop, 5.30pm Tuesday 25 August
Auckland: Time Out Bookstore, 5.30pm Friday 28 August
And if you're not handy to Dunedin or Auckland, what do you think - should I try to live stream or video the Dunedin launch so you can join in the fun?
I've been having a ball this week recording the stories in the OAR FM studio. The actors are all so talented, and they bring such different flavours to the stories. I actually began my writing career as a playwright, so there's something really special about circling back to a more theatrical form and getting to work with actors again. I meant to take photos of all the actors in the studio but I forgot to take a couple (sorry Helen, Olly and Melanie!). Luckily, the fabulous audio engineer Geoff is now reminding me to photograph everyone!
I'm so grateful that I'm able to make this book, and the podcast. And I'm glad I decided to go ahead and do the illustrations, too. I hope the stories, the drawings and the recordings will make a lovely little package for you to dip into.
Arohanui and thank you so much for your support
Kathryn xx
Meeting a carrot on Book Day
01/07/2020 at 10:05 PM
Kia ora wonderful Pet supporters!
I mentioned in my last update that Pet has received funding to be turned into a podcast! I've had a great time over the past few weeks meeting the amazing actors. Thirteen of the actors are based in Dunedin and four are based in other parts of the country.
I've already received recordings from some of my 'off-site' people (the other recordings will be made at Otago Access Radio shortly) and I am so pleased with them. The slightly creepy story was enhanced with an incredible array of accents, and the reading of the slightly silly story was so funny I almost cried! I wish I could tell you what happens at the end, but I don't want to spoil the suprise!
(An image from one of the stories in Pet.)
I'm definitely more of a writer than an artist, but I got to visit Waitati School this morning for their Book Week and run some illustration workshops with the kids. It was heaps of fun hanging out with an incredible array of book characters (the kids were in costume), including a guinea pig and a carrot!
It's also very exciting to be over halfway towards my funding goal for Pet! Thank you! If you know anyone who might enjoy a dark and humorous collection of short stories it would be great if you could share the link to the PledgeMe page with them.
Oh, and I'm planning the book launches (in Auckland and Dunedin) as we speak ... stay tuned for your invite!
Arohanui and thank you so much for your support
Kathryn xx
Pet is almost half funded - thank you!
25/06/2020 at 8:47 PM
Kia ora and THANK YOU so much for supporting Pet, a dark and quirky collection of short stories that I've been working on for much longer than I'd really like to admit. With your help I'm nearly at half my funding goal, and that little bit closer to turning Pet into a real book.
A little surprise I've had is that Creative New Zealand has come on board to help turn Pet into a podcast series! So I'm working with Otago Access Radio (OAR FM) and a group of extraordinarily talented actors to create a free podcast that will be accessible via OAR and your favourite podcast apps. If you head on over to my website you can find out more about the podcast and the actors - including Terry McTavish, Iona Winter and Olly Ohlson, among many other wonderful people!
(Above: some of the amazing people who are reading stories for the Pet podcast)
I'm also planning book launches in both Dunedin and Auckland, and I'll be sure to let you know details closer to the time - I'd love to see there.
Thank you so much to everyone who has pledged to Pet or shared the PledgeMe page. I really appreciate your support - I couldn't do this without you.
Arohanui,
Kathryn xx
16/07/2020 at 8:46pm
16/07/2020 at 6:39pm
"Congratulations Kathryn!"
16/07/2020 at 11:15am
15/07/2020 at 10:32pm
"Love your work Kathryn x"
15/07/2020 at 9:28pm
"well done team"
15/07/2020 at 4:45pm
15/07/2020 at 1:08pm
15/07/2020 at 12:18pm
15/07/2020 at 1:18am
14/07/2020 at 5:17pm
14/07/2020 at 9:12am
14/07/2020 at 6:17am
13/07/2020 at 9:54pm
13/07/2020 at 9:49pm
"Mahi pai! Engaging writing - I enjoyed the stories I read and look forward to reading the others."
10/07/2020 at 4:17pm
"Amazing work Kathryn "
09/07/2020 at 3:58pm
"Can’t wait for this!! ❤️"
09/07/2020 at 2:01pm
08/07/2020 at 10:15pm
06/07/2020 at 12:12pm
06/07/2020 at 10:03am
06/07/2020 at 8:40am
"Hope you make target, looking forward to this book! x Fi"
06/07/2020 at 8:15am
"Looks amazing! "
05/07/2020 at 9:04am
04/07/2020 at 8:01am
03/07/2020 at 9:04am
02/07/2020 at 7:52pm
02/07/2020 at 6:48pm
02/07/2020 at 4:17pm
"All the Best Kathryn. xx"
02/07/2020 at 9:51am
"Good luck Kathryn 🐕🐈"